Enda Kenny referenced the illustrious history of the former Gallions hotel as he unveiled a plaque yesterday to commemorate the building’s redevelopment.

The Grade II listed building, which now houses the headquarters of Irish-London company Corbyn Construction, The Reach bar and kitchen and Lucky’s Gym, was referenced in the Rudyard Kipling poem The Light That Failed.

Mr Kenny praised Corbyn’s integrity, credibility and reputation during a speech to the company’s employees and guests, suggesting the directors were an example to British and Irish alike.

“What you have done is epitomise the new values that Irish people have - unafraid of hard work, consistency in the face of challenge and the competence to do the job and get it done,” he said.